Manila, Philippines - March 14th, 2011 - from the twenty-three equally gorgeous gay men representing their respective countries in the 3rd annual Mr. Gay World held in Club Mwah, Mandaluyong City on Sunday, March 13, Francois Nel of South Africa was proclaimed our new ambassador for gay men in the world. Francois will continue to carry on the vision and mission of the organization that seeks to fight the discrimination and stigma faced by the gay community in many countries today. Mr. Gay World empowers and raises the visibility of optimistic gay men in a constructive dialogue with our fellow citizens.
Francois Nel, has a Visual Multimedia/Creative Writing degree, as well as, other passions, like working at a medical practice that dealt with HIV and TB under the direction of the renowned Dr Paul Timp. Francois soon discovered that the medical field also interests him and he completed a course in HIV Care & Counselling. Completing his Creative studies exposed him to many different art forms, and he started following a professional career in make up artistry and hair styling, where he has worked both as artist and lecturer/educator.
Being the new Mr. Gay World 2011, he will receive a US$25,000-worth of trips to visit the five continents that he will be promoting goodwill to the world about the gay community. He will also be wearing a Chris Winspear dog tag designed by the Internationally renowned, South African jewelry designer. The top four finalists include the first runner up - Michael Holtz: Mr. Gay USA, followed by Israel Acevedo Mr. Gay Spain, Leigh Charles Mr. Gay Australia and Aaron Comis Mr. Gay New Zealand who also received bespoke dog tags.
Other awards presented included:
Mr. Gay Swimwear - Australia, Mr. Gay Formal wear - Australia, Mr. Gay Congeniality - Estonia, Mr. Pinoy (Sports) Challenge - Ireland, Mr. Gay Photogenic - New Zealand, Mr. Gay People's Choice Award - Philippines, Mr. Gay National Costume - Philippines.
In a spectacular grand finale at Club Mwah, Philippines' member of the board, Noemi Alberto, known for being a gay advocate herself made the customary turnover to South African's national producer, Coenie Kukkuk, which will be the next host producer of Mr. Gay World 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa (Easter 2012).
Members of the panel judges were: Karen Loren Agustin, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2002; Andrew Creagh, editor-in-chief and founder of an Australian-based DNA magazine; Jorgen Landby, a Swedish international makeup artist; Remco Teppema, co-founder and co-publisher of a Holland-based gay publications - Winq and Mate magazines; Charl Van Den Berg, Mr. Gay World 2011; Gloria Diaz, Philippines' first Miss Universe; and Eric Butter, president and founder of MGW. Brian Merriman, MGW's director for rules and policy and the MGW's director for Africa and Europe and Dean Nelson, MGW's director of North America and Media Relations verified the results in a closely contested week of challenges, public appearances and ambassadorial opportunities.
Philippine King of Talk, Boy Abunda hosted the finale show with Miss International 2005, Precious Lara Quigaman; and the model-comedienne Wilma Doesn't.
The mission of Mr. Gay World (MGW) is to advance national and international gay rights through education and public performance. MGW creates authentic leaders who will take responsibility, not only in his own community but on a global stage, speaking out for equal rights by inspiring those around him. MGW is a genuine and positive role model that will champion equality and diversity in the media both gay and mainstream.
23 Nations including: Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Curacao, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, United States of America.
For more information on Mr. Gay World please visit
mrgayworld.org-30-
